The study on the graph is from 1984 on, and the author thinks this translates into always? This is a good example of playing with numbers.

2:56 pm February 18, 2014

Frank wrote:

Tom, 30 years of data is good enough for me. Going back further will skew the results from other factors which do not exist now. Just because the facts don't suit you doesn't invalidate the research and results.

6:17 pm February 22, 2014

Jim wrote:

It would be interesting if the graph were expressed in ratios of median $/sf rather than median price. It might shown an even more exaggerated value comparison. I would guess that for the much higher median price in LA, one gets a house that is much smaller, and probably less well-constructed, than what one gets for the median price in Cinncinati. I've seen people seeking to move to the Bay Area who break into tears after seeing the houses they can afford. Their "well-above median income" can certainly buy a home, but it's the kind of place that they probably haven't lived in since they were in college.

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